Allan Ralph
Nominating Agency: Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

Allan’s contributions to the conservation field through his career as well as a community volunteer are indeed worthy of the recognition that he is receiving as an AD Latornell Conservation Symposium Pioneer. His tireless work with respect to the natural environment of The Coves Subwatershed in London, Ontario is well known and respected throughout Southern Ontario. His efforts over the years have resulted in significant restoration and rehabilitation of the site while continuously educating children and the public about these natural treasures.

Allan Ralph graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1972 and immediately began teaching with the London School Board. It was through out this 33 year career that Allan shared his love of nature with his students. This included numerous pond studies, species inventories, and storm water runoff impact reports carried out with his students at The Coves.

As a resident of The Coves Subwatershed, Allan became a strong advocate for the rehabilitation of the area and organized the annual Coves Cleanup – which has been carried out for many years. His high level of interest in the area led to the creation of the Friends of The Coves Subwatershed Inc. (FOT CSI) in 1990. This not-for-profit environmental organization works in conjunction with government and environmental organizations and citizens groups to restore and protect The Coves. The FOT CSI has had numerous successes including: the transfer of over 40ha of environmentally significant lands into public ownership; assisting hundreds of residents in the subwatershed naturalize their properties; and completing a plan for 700ha of The Coves’ lands. The Organization has received many prestigious awards for its work.

Allan is currently the Chair of the Advisory Board of the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation but still finds time for participation on the organizing committees of Children’s Water Festivals in the London-Oxford area. It is this mentoring that is reflective of Art Latornell’s own philosophy.

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